It was Allama Iqbal’s dream of having an independent state for the Muslims of the subcontinent where they could practice their religion according to their own wishes. It was the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam that united them to achieve this goal. His golden principles of unity, faith and discipline guided them and as a result of a long and arduous struggle, Pakistan came into existence on Aug. 14, 1947.
The day, Aug. 14, reminds us of the historical struggle and sacrifices by our forefathers for a separate homeland. Now, it is our responsibility to make Pakistan an enlightened, tolerant, progressive and welfare state. The challenges that we are facing today demand from us to remain united. We must forget all regional and ethnic differences and utilize our energies in transforming Pakistan into a modern democratic state.
The valiant struggle waged by Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto culminated in the restoration of democracy in Pakistan. She gave her life for the noble cause of rule of the people while ending the dark night of dictatorship. Now the country, despite all odds, is resolutely progressing under the wise stewardship of the president and the prime minister. Despite domestic problems and the global economic recession our dynamic leadership is making all efforts to bring economic stability and prosperity to the country.
Pakistan has been commended in the comity of nations as a front-line state against the war on terror. It is because of the resolute and uncompromising determination of our leadership that Pakistan is on road to eradicating the scourge and menace of terrorism from its soil.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy excellent brotherly relations. The two-way trade between the two countries has witnessed sharp increase. Saudi Arabia remains Pakistan’s ninth biggest destination for exports with substantial increase in total exports of Pakistan to the Kingdom over the last year. These relations have withstood the vicissitudes of time. Islam binds them into inseparable bonds of fraternity. Besides excellent relations in other spheres, economic relations continue to show a robust trend.
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Recent visits by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to the Kingdom and their meetings with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah further enhanced understanding between the leadership of the two countries on regional and international issues. Saudi Arabia has always supported Pakistan during difficult times. During the 2005 earthquake and the 2010 flood devastation, Saudi Arabia was the first country to send relief goods and donation for the affected people. The people of Pakistan hold King Abdullah in the highest esteem.
One important aspect of Saudi-Pakistan relationship is the presence of about 1.5 million Pakistanis here and that has played a pivotal role in the economic and social development of the Kingdom. Similarly our community is also a source of precious foreign exchange that is essential for the economic development of Pakistan.
On this happy occasion I congratulate our community members for their diligence and hard work and urge them to play their role in further strengthening relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
I again extend my congratulations to you all on this happy occasion of our 65th Independence Day.
Long live Pakistan
Long live Pakistan-Saudi Arabia friendship
Muhammad Naeem Khan
Ambassador of Pakistan